2016's First Human Case of West Nile Found In Pennsylvania

The first case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania in 2016 has been reported in Pennsylvania, the state's Department of Environmental Protection said.

The individual tested positive in Indiana County, and has been identified as a female between the ages of 18 and 39.

Multiple mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile in the state and in Montgomery County already this year. The first test was recorded on June 6 in Altoona in Blair County, which is located roughly between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh in the west-central part of the state.

West Nile was first confirmed in Pennsylvania in 2000 when it was found in a horse, mosquitoes, and birds.
There have been nearly 40,000 cases of West Nile in the United States since then, and 119 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There was only been one case of West Nile in a human reported in Pennsylvania in 2015, although many western states have had more positive tests.

According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 5 infected humans will develop a fever and other symptoms from West Nile.

Less than one percent of humans infected develop a fatal neurologic illness, the CDC said.

For more information on staying safe from West Nile Virus and precautions which residents can take, see here.